A southeast Michigan boy who touched thousands of lives while battling neuroblastoma cancer has died.

Noah Biorkman was 5. A statement issued by his family said the boy died Monday morning at his home in the Detroit suburb of South Lyon.

Biorkman had received more than 1 million Christmas cards during recent months after friends started a campaign to make sure he had one final Christmas. The family celebrated on Nov. 8.

The family's statement thanked people for their "continued support over the past few years during Noah's illness."

The family plans to equally donate money they have received to Neuroblastoma Research at Mott's Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A private funeral is planned.

The Biorkman family is asking that donations be sent to:

Department of Pediatrics and Oncology
University of Michigan
1500 East Medical Center Drive, D4202MPB
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5718
Checks payable to: The University of Michigan -- Noah's Pediatric Oncology Fund

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan
230 Huron View Blvd.
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
Checks payable to: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan -- Memo: Noah Biorkman